The long-awaited redevelopment of Royal Perth Hospital has hit major roadblocks, with plans for the state's busiest emergency department now significantly scaled back and delayed. What was once promised as a comprehensive overhaul has been reduced to just 60 new emergency bays, with completion not expected until 2028.
Scale-Back Sparks Concern
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson confirmed the disappointing news, revealing that only 60 of the planned 137 emergency treatment spaces will be operational by 2028. The original vision for a complete transformation of Western Australia's flagship hospital has been dramatically pared back, leaving healthcare professionals and patients concerned about the implications.
The minister attributed the delays to several factors, including construction industry pressures, workforce challenges, and design complexities. The hospital's heritage-listed buildings have presented particular difficulties, requiring careful integration of modern medical facilities with historical preservation requirements.
Current Strain on Emergency Services
Royal Perth Hospital's emergency department currently handles approximately 90,000 patient presentations annually, making it the busiest in Western Australia. The existing facilities have been operating beyond capacity for years, with staff regularly working in cramped conditions.
The Australian Medical Association WA president, Michael Page, expressed deep concern about the scaled-back plans. "This is not just disappointing; it's potentially dangerous for patient care," Dr Page stated. "We're talking about the state's major trauma center facing continued overcrowding for years to come."
The current emergency department was designed to accommodate far fewer patients than it currently serves. Healthcare workers have reported treating patients in corridors and waiting areas regularly, a situation that was supposed to be alleviated by the redevelopment.
Phased Approach and Future Uncertainty
The government now describes the project as taking a "phased approach", with the initial 60-bay facility scheduled to open in 2028. However, no firm timeline has been provided for when the remaining 77 treatment spaces might be completed.
Opposition health spokeswoman Libby Mettam criticized the handling of the project, calling it "another example of infrastructure mismanagement" by the current government. "Western Australians were promised a world-class health facility, and what they're getting is a compromised version that won't meet future demand," she said.
The redevelopment's budget has also come under scrutiny. While the government maintains that funding remains committed, no updated costings have been released for the revised, delayed project.
Healthcare advocates warn that the delays could have ripple effects across Perth's entire hospital network. With Royal Perth Hospital serving as a critical trauma center, ongoing capacity issues may force other hospitals to absorb additional pressure.
As construction timelines stretch further into the future, patients and healthcare workers face the prospect of several more years working in facilities that all parties agree are no longer fit for purpose.
